Effect of Omega-3 Supplementation on Self-Regulation in Typically Developing Preschool-Aged Children: Results of the Omega Kid Pilot Study-A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Stuart J. Johnstone,Mitchell K. Byrne,Lauren A. Roach,Barbara J. Meyer,Alison L. Jones,Renate H. M. de Groot,Steven J. Howard,Marijka Batterham,Anthony D. Okely,Inge S. M. van der Wurff,Ian M. R. Wright

doi:10.3390/nu13103561

Abstract

Supplementation of omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFA) may enhance self-regulation (SR) and executive functioning (EF) in children of preschool age. The aim of the Omega Kid Study was to investigate the effect of n-3 LCPUFA supplementation on SR and EF in typically developing preschool-aged children. A double-blind placebo-controlled pilot trial was undertaken, the intervention was 12 weeks and consisted of 1.6 g of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) per day compared to placebo. The HS-Omega-3 Index® was assessed by capillary blood samples at baseline and post-intervention. Seventy-eight children were enrolled and randomised to either the n-3 LCPUFA treatment (n = 39) or placebo (n = 39) group. Post intervention, there was a significant three-fold increase in the HS-Omega-3 Index® in the n-3 LCPUFA group (p < 0.001). There were no improvements in SR or EF outcome variables for the n-3 LCPUFA group post intervention compared to the placebo group determined by linear mixed models. At baseline, there were significant modest positive Spearman correlations found between the HS-Omega-3 index® and both behavioural self-regulation and cognitive self-regulation (r = 0.287, p = 0.015 and r = 0.242, p = 0.015 respectively). Although no treatment effects were found in typically developing children, further research is required to target children with sub-optimal self-regulation who may benefit most from n-3 LCPUFA supplementation.

Highlights

Omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are important nutrients across the lifespan.In utero, n-3 LCPUFA are required for the closing of the neural tube [1], while during infanthood, breastmilk is enriched with DHA [2]
DHA is found in the phospholipid bilayer of the cell membrane in the brain and contributes to the flexibility and fluidity of the membrane, which in turn improves the function of membrane proteins and neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin [6]
A 12-week randomised, double-blind placebo-controlled pilot study was conducted to investigate the effect of n-3 LCPUFA supplementation on self-regulation compared to a placebo in preschool-aged children

Summary

Introduction

Omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are important nutrients across the lifespan.In utero, n-3 LCPUFA are required for the closing of the neural tube [1], while during infanthood, breastmilk is enriched with DHA [2]. Omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are important nutrients across the lifespan. As the child approaches early childhood, n-3 LCPUFA are required for optimal brain function, with EPA of particular benefit due to its anti-inflammatory and vasodilatory properties [3]. The release of EPA from endothelial cells lining blood vessels form eicosanoids, which reduce blood clotting and increase blood flow [4]. This is of benefit to the brain by improving blood flow and integrity of the blood-brain barrier [5]. Given the limited ability of humans to synthesise DHA from its precursor alpha-linoleic acid [7], it is preferable to consume pre-formed EPA and DHA rather than rely on the conversion [8]

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